Monday, September 12, 2005

Russell: Freedom and the Colleges

(Originally written September 12, 2005 in Book 2)

Why I am not a Christian
Bertrand Russell
1957

Freedom and the Colleges

Professors should be hired on expertise alone and not on personal beliefs, and they should be judged by other experts in their field.

Academic freedom is threatened by the plutocracy and the churches.

It is important to have both sides of an argument openly presented, even if one side is a minority, controversial or an unpopular argument.

Intellectualism and progress are dependent upon an individual's freedom to disagree with the public.

Collective wisdom is not an adequate substitute for the intelligence of individuals.

Heretics are the only people who have changed moral and intellectual thought.

New thoughts and new beliefs are necessary at all times.

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